Truck



June 27, 1933.

W. C. HEDGCOCK TRUCK Filed Oct- 2, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet l v Cl] 1 MW cps/e,

June 27, 1933. w, c, HEDGCOCK 1,916,144

TRUCK Filed 001;. 2, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 June 27, 1933. w. c. HEDGCOCK TRUCK Filed Oct. 2, 1931 w 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 June 27, 1933. w c HEDGCQCK 1,916,144

' TRUCK Filed Oct. 2, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 x g3 Fm" June 27, 1933. w. QHEDGCOCK TRUCK Filed Oct. 2, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 is Q s v V b m 130 I fwerZZfi: Wllzam Offeaigc0da Patented June 27, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WILLIAM C. HEDGCOCK, OF WILHETTE, I ILLINOI S, .A SSIGNOB 'IO AIERICAN STEEL FOUNDRIIES, OF CHICAGO, IPLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY annex Application October 2, 1981. Serial No. 566,437. I

the car. This natural period of oscillation,

when reached, results in synchronous motion which is transmitted violently to the truck bolster, the car body and lading, often resulting in the damage or even the destruction of the la-ding.

It is an object of this invention to provide a car truck having an improved spring suspension aiiording easy riding qualities.

Another object of the invention is to provide a coil and /or other spring suspension for a car truck wherein a construction is provided to eliminate or dampen synchronous motion.

A further object of the invention is to provide a car truck wherein a spring suspension is arranged so that there will be softer spring action under light loads, yet at the same time stiff spring action and ample capacity will be provided under heavy loads.

With these and various other objects in view, the invention may consist of certain novel features of construction and operation as will be more fully described and particularly pointed out in the specification, drawings and claims appended hereto.

In the drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the device and wherein like reference characters are used to designate like parts Figure l is a fragmentary top plan view of a truck construction embodying the invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the construction shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional eleva- Figure 5 is a side elevation of the construc tion shown in Figure 4; v

Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional elevation taken substantially on the transverse center line of the truck construction shown in Figures 4 and 5;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary side elevation of still another modified form of truck construction;

Figures 8,9 and 1 are fragmentary transverse sectional elevations taken substantially in the plane as indicated by the line 88 of Figure 7, said figures showing modified forms of spring suspensions.

Referring first of all more particularly to the construction illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the truck side frame is preferably of truss construction including the tension member 22 and the compression member 24: integrally connected by spaced column guides 26 andforming the window 28 in the side frame. The tension and compression members merge adjacent their ends and are provided with any preferred form of journal boxes cooperating with the journal ends of any preferred form of wheel and axle assemblies.

The bolster 30 is disposed between the spaced side frames and extends into the bolster opening, being provided with lugs 32 embracing the column guides for sliding cooperation therewith, the columns being cut out adjacent the lower arch bar for permitting ready application of the bolster to the side frames. The side frames are connected by means of the spring plank 34 disposed on the lower arch bar between the columns 26. The spring plank is provided with spaced coil spring nests 36, a plurality of said nests (shown two) being disposed on each side of a single elliptic spring assembly 38. The lower spring band thereof is seated in the seat 42 provided on the spring plank.

Pairs of coil spring assemblies .36 on each side of the leaf spring assembly 38 are provided with the spring caps 44, and between each spring cap 44 and the u per spring band 46 equalizer members 48 are isposed on which the bolster 30 is mounted. The bolster 30 is provided with a pair of arcuate fulcrum points 50 seating on the pair ofequalizer members 48, said members being provided with the adjacent arcuate fulcrum points 52 seated on the inner spring band 46 and the outerfulcrum points 54 seated on the respective spring caps 44. The distance tween the fulcrum points 52, 50 and 54 1s roportioned so as to properly distribute the oad on the several springs in proportion to the capacity of the different springs. The equalizers are so shaped as to be guided b each other and by the columns 26 against en w ise displacement, and by the depending flanges 56' on the bolster against lateral displacement. The equalizers are free to tilt upon their seats 52 and 54, depending upon the differential deflection of'coil and leaf springs and thereby permit of said diiferential deflection, and also ermit independent movement of two kinds of springs.

In the modification illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 6, the columns 26 are recessed as at 58, and spring seats 60 are provided on the lower arch bar of the side frame between the columns for the reception of the. coil spring assemblies 62. The s ring plank 64 connect-' ing the side frames 1s disposed between the spaced coil s ring assemblies 62 and the lower s ring hand 66 and the plurality of elliptic eaf spring assemblies 68 is mounted in said spring plank. Each coil spring assembly 62 is provided with the spring cap 70, and an equalizing member 72 is mounted between each spring cap and the u per spring band 74 of the leaf spring 'assem hes 68. The equalizers are rovided with the arcuate fulcrum 'oints 6 and 78 cooperating with the spring cap and spring bands.

The bolster 80 is rovided with the embracing lugs 82 and idably cooperates with the column guide 86, the bolster being provided with the spaced arcuate fulcrum points P 84 byi which the bolster is supported on the eq a zer 72. In this construction the o eration is the same as above described an the fulcrum points 78, 84 and 76 are spaced to properly distribute the load on several springs, the equalizersbeing guided by each other and by the column guides against endwise movement, and by the dependin flanges, the pockets in the column guides, an

' the depending bolster flanges 86 againstlateral movement. I

In the construction shown in Figures 7 to 10 inclusive, the side frames 120 are connected by means of the spring plank .122, the spring plank bein mounted in the bolster opening 124 define by the column guides 126. The nests of coil springs 128 are mounted on the spring lank substantially in the plane of the side rame and consequently in the bolster opening. The outer nests of the coil springs are provided with the spring cap 130, and the 'mner nests of coil springs are provided with the spring up 132.

coil spring assemblies 128 are shown includ- I ing springs of variable pitch. In the modification shown in Figure 9 the outer nests 146 are formed of springs of variable sectional area. That is, the springs are formed from a bar of tapering diameter, while the inner nests of springs are formed of springs of constant sectlonal area and constant pitch. In the modification shown in Figure 10 the inner and outer nests 150 and 152 are formed of springs of constant pitch and constant sectional diameter, but the springs are of dif-,

ferent characteristics.

Of course it is to be understood that in all the modifications, any springs of different characteristics may be employed, such as the springs of variable stiffness illustrated in application Serial No. 552,153 filed July 21, 1931, it being preferable that the deflection of the different nests, or of the different nest spacings be dissimilar. Having different stiifnesses or different characteristics, the

period of oscillation of the nests will not be thesame. Further, as the arcuate surfaces of the fulcrum points between the equalizer member and the spring caps move relatively to each other, friction results between the arts, tending to check oscillation of the olster.

In operation, when vertical motion is imartedto the side frame due to striking track lrregularities, such motion is imparted to the bolster and the car body through the springs. The force required to accelerate the bolster and car body upward, or to decelerate them downward must be imparted through the springs. Such a force causes a different deflection of the coil spring nests as the springs have different characteristics, and therefore have different riods of oscillation, thus preventing sync ronous motion from being set up, since a reaction comes from one to the other of thespring nests through the equalizer so that each tends to dampen or nullify the synchronous motion of the other. Furthermore, the motion of the two springs being different requires an oscillatory motion of the equalizer, thus causing friction between the equalizer and the bolster, and between the equalizer and the spring cap, which dampens or nullifies spring oscillation.

It is to be understood that I do not wish to e lim ted by the exact embodiments of the device shown which are merely by way of illustration and not limitation, as' various and other forms of the device will of course be apparent to thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is 1. In a car truck, the combination of a side frame and a bolster, coil springs and elliptic springs carried by said side frame for supporting said bolster, and equalizing means interposed between said bolster and said coil and elliptic springs, said bolster engaging said equalizing means between the polnts of engagement between said equalizing means and said springs.

2. In a car truck, the combination of a side frame and a bolster, coil springs and elliptic springs carried by said side frame for supporting said bolsterfand load distributing means interposed between said bolster and said coil and elliptic springs whereby said coil springs and said elliptic springs are permitted independent motion. ,7 w

3. In a car truck, he combination'bf a side frame and a bolster, coil springs and elliptic springs carried by said side frame for supporting said bolster, and load distributing means interposed between said bolster and said coil: and elliptic springs whereby said coil springs and said elliptic springs are permitted independent'motion, and means for positioning said load distributing means.

4. in a car truck, the combination of a side frame including tension and compression members and spaced connecting column guides forminga bolster opening, a bolster extending into said opening and slidably cooperating with said column guides, springs of difierent character for supporting said bolster, and equalizer means interposed between said springs and said bolster.

5. in a car truck, the combination of a side frame including tension and compression members and spaced connecting column guides forming a bolster opening, a bolster extending into said opening and slidably cooperating with said column guides, resilient means and friction means for supporting said bolster, and equalizer means interposed between said bolsterand said resilient and friction means.

6. in a car truck, the combination of a side frame including tension and compression members and spaced connecting column guides forming a bolster opening, a bolster extending into said opening and slidably cooperating with said column guides, resilient means and resilient and friction means for supporting said bolster, and equalizer means interposed between said bolster and said remembers and spaced connecting column guides forming a bolster opening, a bolster extending into said opening and slidably co- 0 rating with said column guides, springs o difierent character in said bolster opening for supporting said bolster, and equalizer means interposed between said springs and said bolster.

8. In a car truck, the combination of a side frame including tension and compression members and spaced connecting column guides forming a bolster opening, a bolster extending into said opening and slidably'cooperating with said column means and friction means in said bolster opening for su porting said bolster, and equalizer means interposed between said bolster and said resilient and friction means.

9. In a car truck, the combination of a side frame including tension and compression members and spaced connecting column ides, resilient guides forming a bolster opening, a bolster extending into said opening and slidably cooperating with said column guides, resilient means and resilient and friction means in said bolster opening for supporting said bolster, and equalizer means interposed between said bolster and said resilient and friction means.

10. In a car truck, the combination of a side frame and a bolster, coil springs and elliptic springs carried by said side frame for supporting said bolster, and equalizing means interposed between said bolster'and said coil and elliptic springs and disposed substantially in the plane of said side frame, said bolster enga ing said equalizing means between the poin s of engagement between said equalizing means and said springs.

11. In a car truck, the combination of a side frame and a bolster, coil sprin s and elliptic springs carried by said side frame for supporting said bolster, and load distributing means interposed between said bolster and said coil and elliptic springs whereby said coil springs and said elliptic springs are permitted independent motion, said means being disposed substantially in the planeof said side frame.

12. In a car truck, the combination of a bolster, a coil spring and a leaf spring can ried by said side frame for supporting said bolster, and equalizing means interposed between said bolster and coil and leaf springs, said bolster engaging said equalizing means between the\points of engagement between said equalizing means and said springs.

13. In a car truck, the combination of a bolster, a coil spring and a leaf spring car ried by said side frame for supporting said bolster, and equalizing means interposed between said bolster and coil and leaf sprin disposed substantially in the plane of said side frame, said bolster engaging said equalizing means between. the points of engagemerit-between said equalizing means and said springs 14. In a car truck, the combination of a bolster, coil sprin of different characters 4135 istics carried by said side frame for supporting said bolster and equalizing means interposed between said bolster and coil springs,

said bolster engaging said equalizing means between the po nts of engagement between said e ualizing means and said springs.

15. n a car truck, the combination of a bolster, coilisprings of different characteristics carried by said sde frame for supporting said bolster and equalizing means interposed between said bolster and coil springs disposed substantially in the plane of said side frame, said bolster engag ng said equalizing means between the points of engage ment between said equal'zing means and said springs.

16. In a car truck, the combination of a side frame and a bolster, coil springs and elliptic springs carried by said side frame for supporting said bolster, and load distributing means interposed between sa d bolster and said coil and elliptic springs whereby said coil springs and said elliptic springs are permitted independent motion, and means for positioning sa d load distributing means, said means being on said bolster.

-12'. in a car truck, the combination of a side trams and a bolster, coil springs and Y elliptic springs carried by said side frame for supporting said bolster, and load distributing means interposed between said bolster and said coil and elliptic springs whereby said coil springs and said'elli tic springs are permitted independent motion, and means for positioning said load distributing means, said means being on said side frame.

18. In a car truck, the combination of a side frame and a bolster, coil springs and ellipt'c springs carried by said side irame for supporting said bolster, and load dis- Q tributing means interposed between said bolster and said coil and elliptic springs whereby said coil springs and said elli tic springs. are permitted independent motion,

' engaging said load carrying member between and means for positioning said load distributing means, said means being on said side frame and bolster.

19. In a car truck, the combination of a side frame and a bolster, springs of different characteristics carried by said side frame for supporting said bolster, and equalizing means interposed between said bolster and said springs,'said bolster engaging said equalizing means between the points of engagement between said equalizin means and said springs.

20. In a car truc the combination of a side frame and a bolster, springs of different characteristics carried by said side frame for supporting said bolster, and equalizing means interposed between said bolster and said springs, said equalizing means having frictional motion on said bolster during differential motion of said springs.

21. in a car truck, the combination of a side frame including tension and compression members and spaced integrally connecting columns forming a window therewith, a load carrying member extending into said window, resilient means of diderent. character 9 disposed in said window for supporting said load carrying member, and a load distributing and equalizing member interposed between said load carrying member and resilient means.

22. in a car truck, the combination of a side frame including tension and compression members and spaced integrally connectingcolumns forming awindow therewith, a load carrying member extending into said window, resilient means of diiierent. characte disposed in said window for supporting said load carrying member, and a load distributing member interposed between said load carrying member and resilient means for permitting difi'erential action or said resilient means, said load distributing member engaging said resilient means at spaced points and said spaced points. Signed at Chicago, lllinois, this 22nd day of September, 1931.

WILLIAM C. HEDGCOCK. 

